Over the past few weeks, Linsanity has been running wild in New York, in the NBA, and throughout the sports world. Once a little-known NBA player, Jeremy Lin has stormed to the front pages of papers both offline and on as he has led the stumbling New York Knicks to a string of wins over formidable opposition. He went from nearly being cut by the Knicks to boosting excitement in basketball’s number one market. Lin went through his array of challenges in the NBA following departures from the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets; his story was not all peaches ‘n cream. As a result, there are many lessons that can and should be learned here. This Harvard graduate is no dummy, but his intelligence and genius extend well beyond the classroom and the books, for his hard work ethic and ability to take advantage of any opportunity has helped him attain his current success.
One Without the Other
Having a hard work ethic and discipline is necessary to fine tune anybody’s skill set. As many have said before, practice makes perfect. A football player has to spend time both in the weight room and the film room if he or she wants to excel at his or her position. A bodybuilder not only has to go to the gym to maintain his or her physique but also has to have a solid nutrition and sleep plan. Promising (current and future) business leaders have to be disciplined enough to put the time in to understand his or her craft and industry as that very industry is ever-evolving.
Just as importantly, there is a great need to be watchful for, seek out, and take advantage of every opportunity. Normally, opportunities do not just find you or land on your doorstep; instead, you have to seek them out. If you are not watchful for these opportunities, they will quickly pass you by. That same football player has to make his or her opportunities count when a scout is watching. The bodybuilder has to find the right competitions and hit the stage when called upon. The business leader needs to see the opportunity before his or her competitors do and jump on it, even if others are questioning his or her decision.
That brings me to my point that one without the other rarely works. If you do not work and practice hard, you will never be ready when that opportunity comes, and those opportunities do not just wait to appear until after you are ready, so you must work as hard as you can to be at the top of your game when the game comes calling.
Linsanity Teaches Us
Jeremy Lin is a superstar, a very hard-working, humble, and opportunity-grabbing superstar. He knows that it takes hard work and determination to achieve our goals. Life is always going to throw obstacles and challenges your way, and that is why we must always remember to work hard and keep focused on our goals. We must look for, be prepared for, and take advantage of the opportunities that we have because more opportunities tomorrow are never guaranteed. I encourage you to take a moment during Linsanity to understand this life lesson that is right in front of our eyes; work hard and take advantage of your life opportunities before it is too late! Time is precious, and life should never be taken for granted!
